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New to reloading.

The recipe I�m using for a low-pressure 12ga 7/8oz 5200psi load calls for 18.8gr or Clays. The bushings I have available in the set are at 18.2 and 19.1. I�d say go to the 19.1, considering the lightness of the load, rather than under power it with the 18.2 bushing.

Thoughts + or - on using the 19.1 bushing?

Thank you.

I would do as you suggest (19.1) as 5200 is super low. I believe I use a load at 6900 is all my vintage guns.
I will also modify your smaller bushing on a lathe for you
If you want to buy a duplicate or send it to me. Im in va and can have it back to you early next week.

weigh the loads both bushings actually drop. You will probably be surprised. I find MEC bushings actually drop light most of the time

Thank you. I saw a few in the 6-7k range. As a first run, I�m going with this:

Remington STS, Nitro27, or Gunclub
Hodgdon Clays 18.8gr
Win 209
CB-4100-12
7/8oz #8
5200psi

I can get all of it locally. As soon as the press arrives I can get started.

Thanks. Will do. I�m starting with a little Lee Load-All II.

I do not trust any bushings no matter who makes them and lately I do not trust all the bushing loads in Mecs chart.
When I reload a new recipe I use the bushing stated but also back it up with a digital scale and a beam scale. I know this is not rifle shooting, but I want to reload what it states. Some powders like 800X are higher than stated. Most are under by a few grains and some are very close as stated. I always do 10 drops to get my average. I have Mec bushings from 8-40 minus the 39, plus I have made two for 10 gauge using 29.3 grs. Green Dot and 29 grs. using Unique. These are listed as 40B and 41B.

So please do not trust what it states, measure the drops yourself. If you use a Mec reloader I suggest you get the red powder baffle from Grafs. It really helps get a more even drop.

A scale is very inexpensive and a must have for reloading. Never trust a chart. Never trust a bushing. I've seen more bushings weight light than heavy but never take that chance.

I'd always do the mentioned ten drops, instead of one, and divide that by ten to get an average. Try to work your press as if you were loading, ten straight drops with no agitation or powder settling is likely to come out lighter than what ends up in your shells. Once you verify what comes out of your bushing, I think you can use it confidently if you are consistent, it's just a volume measure. When you start changing loads, check all your settings.

Just a note, if you have a scale (and you for sure should/must), you can do cut and try on putting a small piece (sliver) of plastic strapping tape inside a larger bushing and adjusting said tape until the weight is realized. I very much agree on ten drops for an average. Small digital scales go for about $30 and are well worth it.

DDA

You can probably pick up a used Mec 600 for less than $100. Then you can use a universal charge bar. Combine that with a scale and You're all set.